French cinema has had a strong influence on global moviemaking. List includes both mainstream classics and obscure gems. Written by global critics including Tom Huddleston and Geoff Andrew
Jean Renoir's "Boudu sauvé des eaux" (1932) depicts 1930s French bourgeoisie. Fernandel stars in "Le Chomeur de Clochemerle" (1957) about unemployed philosopher. "Les Bidasses en Folie" (1971) features comedians during military service. "La cage aux folles" (1978) explores gay couple with legendary performances
2008 French fantasy comedy film directed by Forestier and Langmann. Based on Asterix comic series, sequel to Mission Cleopatra. Most expensive French non-English-language film of all time. Filming took place in Alicante, Spain for six months
Born in 1978 in Trappes, France to West African immigrant parents. Raised in a modest home with Fulani heritage. Started career at Radio Nova in 1996
Born as Juan Moreno y Herrera-Jiménez in Casablanca, Morocco in 1948. Spanish parents fled Francoist Spain to North Africa. Moved to France at age 17, studied acting at Cours Simon School. Learned Spanish, Arabic, French, and Italian
French cinema has produced influential and critically acclaimed films worldwide. French language adds melodious quality to these movies. Films span genres including dramas, comedies, thrillers, and romances